So far, the organisation, which was established just over a year ago, has raised roughly US$140,000 under the initiative.

Speaking at the launch of the festival at the Sandals Montego Resort in Montego Bay on Tuesday, Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson commended the organisers for the planned fund-raising event.

"I am very happy to see that the proceeds for the festival will go towards Cornwall Regional Hospital and that the festival itself will be an excellent one because of the sponsorship and the artistes that will be performing," he said.

He stressed the importance of a public/private sector partnership, which, he noted, will make a difference in the provision of quality health care.

Meanwhile, a number of vendors from the Hellshire, Middle Quarters and Port Royal areas of the island will be among those highlighted at the festival.

The event will also feature a very impressive entertainment package, including stilt walkers, dancers, face painting, ground rides, and an organised children's village.

Performances by Ken Boothe, Beenie Man, I-Octane, Romain Virgo, Tifa, Chronixx, and Prodigal Son, also form part of the rich entertainment package.

"The festival will be an epicurean delight and will highlight the best of Rainforest's diverse seafood offerings through well-known restaurants and chefs," organisers say.